The Name of the Wind

Kingkiller Chronicle, Book 1

By: Patrick Rothfuss

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Length: 27 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Discover #1 New York Times bestselling Patrick Rothfuss’ epic fantasy series, The Kingkiller Chronicle.

“I just love the world of Patrick Rothfuss.” (Lin-Manuel Miranda)

“He’s bloody good, this Rothfuss guy.” (George R. R. Martin)

“Rothfuss has real talent.” (Terry Brooks)

Over 1 Million Copies Sold!

Day One: The Name of the Wind

My name is Kvothe.

I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.

You may have heard of me.

So begins a tale unequaled in fantasy literature - the story of a hero told in his own voice. It is a tale of sorrow, a tale of survival, a tale of one man’s search for meaning in his universe, and how that search, and the indomitable will that drove it, gave birth to a legend.

Praise for The Kingkiller Chronicle:

“The best epic fantasy I read last year.... He’s bloody good, this Rothfuss guy.” (George R. R. Martin, New York Times bestselling author of A Song of Ice and Fire)

“Rothfuss has real talent, and his tale of Kvothe is deep and intricate and wondrous.” (Terry Brooks, New York Times bestselling author of Shannara)

"It is a rare and great pleasure to find a fantasist writing...with true music in the words." (Ursula K. Le Guin, award-winning author of Earthsea)

"The characters are real and the magic is true.” (Robin Hobb, New York Times bestselling author of Assassin’s Apprentice)

"Masterful.... There is a beauty to Pat's writing that defies description." (Brandon Sanderson, New York Times bestselling author of Mistborn)

©2007 by Patrick Rothfuss. (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“The originality of Rothfuss's outstanding debut fantasy, the first of a trilogy, lies less in its unnamed imaginary world than in its precise execution…As absorbing on a second reading as it is on the first, this is the type of assured, rich first novel most writers can only dream of producing. The fantasy world has a new star.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

“Fantasy readers-a notoriously discerning group-tend to dole out praise judiciously, which makes the reception of The Name of the Wind, the first volume in Patrick Rothfuss's The Kingkiller Chronicle, that much more remarkable. Critics are already throwing around comparisons to some of the biggest names in fantasy, including George R. R. Martin, Tad Williams, the recently deceased Robert Jordan, and even Tolkien. (Bookmarks Magazine)

“New fantasy authors are usually overhyped, and it's rare to find one who writes with such assurance and narrative skill right from the start. I was reminded of Ursula LeGuin, George R. R. Martin, and J. R. R. Tolkien, but never felt that Rothfuss was imitating anyone. Like the writers he clearly admires, he's an old-fashioned storyteller working with traditional elements, but his voice is his own. I haven't been so gripped by a new fantasy series in years. It's certain to become a classic." (Lisa Tuttle, The Times)

Kvothe > Harry Potter = massive understatement

This is a very cool fantasy book and fits in along the new trend where fantasy books are more realistic and not completely filled with imps, and elves, and trolls and the like. It is a very well written book with some really great descriptions of music and the way it move us. It follows the story of a young boy born into a family of traveling musicians and the beginnings of how he becomes a legendary wizard. Sounds exactly like something I'd never read since I don't much like the magical side of fantasy too much, but the author is really great and the book is much more character driven than magic driven. Think a Harry Potter series (for an older crowd) in which 'Harry' actually does cool stuff. Very fun read and I'm looking forward to finishing the triology.

No words good enough!

I love this series and have read both of the books out several times. so authentically wonderful, complete clear and creative. the world comes into full view with a quickness and the characters are fully made alive with some of the best writing I have ever seen. I ache for the third book. of course, the narrator is terrific too which is essential when speaking of an audible book but they have chosen well. I recommend this highly. if you enjoy fantasy and haven't read this your life is truely incomplete.

I was pulled right in .

I really enjoyed this book. There ate small parts that leave you heart beating on the edge of your seat. In the end I would like more and am very excited for book two.

Essential listening

What did you like best about this story?

Everything. The characters, the plot. A wonderful story.

What does Nick Podehl bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The characters. Nick Podehl does such an excellent job with the various characters' voices.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes. There are some good humorous scenes. Spoilers prevent me from mentioning a cry.

Any additional comments?

Recommended without reservations of any kind. A book I enjoyed thoroughly.

Very Good

Unique method of storytelling, great story told to boot. Kvothe is a very relatable and fascinating character.

amazing

this was an absolutely amazing book. the narrator was spot on with every character and voice. the story was compelling and i just have nothing but praise for the author.

Great first book

It is a little slow to build at first and the narrator also builds slowly. It steadily improves on both fronts and soon you can't wait to hear more. I am about to jump into book 2 next.

absolutely excellent story and recording.

love to the story from start to finish and have full intention of listening to the other two books as well.

great audiobook

truly enjoyed listening to this book. looking forward to the next one. great job author

AMAZING

Amazing story, great voice acting, and cannot wait for book two. Only thing I wish was that they added sound effects and music to the audio book.